Also, the academic pressures students place on themselves will subconsciously surface, explains Dr. Russo, who treats many students for stress-related facial pain. "Sometimes, your roommate may be the first person to identify your bruxism problem because your tooth grinding keeps them up at night."

In a study investigating academic stress and its effect on gum health, participants' gums were assessed four weeks before final exams and on the last day of the exams. Researchers found 23 percent of students developed severe gingivitis (gum inflammation) in relation to at least one formerly healthy tooth throughout the examination period. Researchers also noted that within one day, students were able to remove nearly all plaque accumulated during the 21-day experiment.